jan crawford is in boston where the republican nominee spoke to his supporters. >> reporter: governor romney waited about an hour to concede after the state of ohio was called for the president. everyone thought it's over but the romney campaign wanted to see some more of the actual votes from some of those suburbs around cincinnati. they didn't want to give up. when colorado was declared for the president, the campaign knew that was it, romney picked up the phone and called the president. >> this election is over, but our principles endure. i believe that the principles upon which this nation was founded are the only sure guide to aesurgent economy and to renewed greatness. >> reporter: a defeated mitt romney was gracious. >> i believe in america. i believe in the people of america. >> reporter: after running for president for 17 months, his campaign came up empty. >> like so many of you, paul and i have left everything on the field. we have given our all to this campaign. >> reporter: there was clear disappointment as the reality of what could have been sank in. >> i also want to th